Airport Economic Impact Methods and Models

This synthesis documents how airport economic impact studies are currently conducted. It focuses specifically on the methods and models used to define and identify, evaluate and measure, and communicate the different facets of the economic impact of airports. The report discusses the various analysis methods, models, and tools that are available for local airport economic studies, as well as applicability and tradeoffs, including limitations, trends, and recent developments. This study relies on three distinct data collection efforts: surveys targeting both users and authors of economic impact studies to collect information on the extent of the studies, their motivation and use; a literature review covering the economic impacts and community benefits of airports; and a case study analysis, where four specific studies were selected to illustrate various approaches to assessing economic impact.